Very dark or black stools (unless you’ve had a lot of beetroot lately)

Pain when eating

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

A myriad of factors can be driving these problems and it’s one you need to speak to a qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist, Integrated GP or other integrated HP.

The common condition of IBS can be caused by a condition called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) whereby bacteria usually colonised to the large intestine, have now travelled up to the small intestine where they don’t belong. Another factor can be food intolerances such FODMAPs. After further questioning, we will put you onto the right protocol to rebalance the gut. It’s important to know that the low FODMAP diet is not a permanent measure – once corrected you can enjoy these foods again.

Problems such as pebbles, cracked stools, blood/haemorrhoids, long transit-time and pain can all be signs of constipation, and thus lack of dietary fibre + adequate hydration. One of my major gripes about common dietary guidelines is that we are made to think that fibre should mainly come from breads and cereals. And yet these very foods, processed and ultimately broken down into sugar in the body, are half the problem. Quality fibre is always best from real living foods; vegetables, fruits, legumes, lentils, psyllium husk, chia and flax seeds etc. But without water for this fibre to soak up and expand, the desired effect is not achieved. Aim for 2-3L/day (herbal teas are a great way to get extra hydration such as the Cleanse Me Tea).

Dark or black stools can be a sign of bleeding higher up in the GIT (possibly IBD or coeliac disease), whilst pale coloured stools can be a gallbladder, liver or pancreatic problem. Thin pencil-like stools are a sign of intestinal inflammation which creates a constricted passage way. These conditions all require immediate medical intervention through your GP, where they will order further tests and investigations.

So how do you fix it?

The first thing to do is see your NHP as we’ll ask a series of questions to uncover what’s going on. We will then refer you for any recommended blood tests and exams through your GP.

We often also want to order functional tests such as an Organic Acids Test (OAT) and/or a Complete Digestive/Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CDSA or CSA). These tests will provide a much deeper look into the type of organisms in your gut, what foods you can and can’t digest, parasites, and a heap more (we can have these tests sent straight to your door and collected). This is incredibly important so that we can find out EXACTLY what’s going on, and treat accordingly, rather than wasting your time and money by guessing. We can also assess for “leaky gut” through microscopic blood analysis (I refer my patients to trained Medical Scientist Tania Delahoy at www.haemanalysis.com.au).

Once we know what’s going on, we use a series of nutrients, herbal medicines, probiotics, diet and lifestyle approaches to treat the body holistically. Depending on the condition, results are usually achieved around 12 weeks.

It often takes commitment and discipline when making these new changes. But once you see the significant improvements to your gut, skin, immunity, energy levels, allergies and hormones, you’ll soon make this a lifestyle change that you wondered how you lived without.

If you feel like you need some help, book into see me at any one of these locations either on site, or available by phone or Skype if interstate/overseas.